Argentina Packages: Corner Treasures

You will be picked up at the airport by one of our Argentina For Less travel representatives and transferred to your comfortable Buenos Aires hotel. See our recommended Buenos Aires hotels.

Read our Buenos Aires Travel Guide for ideas on what to see, where to eat, and what to do in Buenos Aires.

The Buenos Aires tour is recommended to every traveler arriving in Buenos Aires to get an initial idea of the highlights of the city. You will first pass by the impressive National Congress (The Parliament), the civic center including the Plaza de Mayo (May Square) surrounded by the Government House (Casa Rosada), the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Cabildo (City Hall during the Spanish colonial period). Along 9th of July Avenue, you will see the famous Colon Theatre, considered one of the best opera houses in the world.

You will then head to the traditional San Telmo neighborhood in which you will be taken back in history (on Sunday visits there’s some free time to visit the Flea Market). A bit further south is one of the oldest neighborhoods, La Boca, the settlement for the first Italian immigrants, where you will have time to enjoy the colorful and unique architecture. The Buenos Aires tour will continue through Puerto Madero and Retiro on the way to Palermo, the largest residential area of the city where you will find the enjoyable Palermo Parks, City Zoo and Planetarium. Your last spot is the elegant Recoleta, famous for its cemetery, boutiques, gourmet restaurants and sidewalk cafes under ficus and jacaranda trees.

In the evening you will be taken to enjoy a “porteña” in one of the most exclusive Buenos Aires tango houses, Esquina Carlos Gardel. The club is located in Abasto, a neighborhood where the singer Carlos Gardel spent several years of his life. During dinner, the Orchestra will play a tango repertoire while several couples dance this amazing and sensual dance. Our recommended dinner and tango show was selected for having the best quality, gourmet meals and truly exceptional dancing. If you prefer any other recommended places, just let our Argentina Travel Advisor know and we can make arrangements according to your requests.

In the morning you will transfer to the Buenos Aires airport for your flight to Puerto Iguazu. You’ll be picked up at the airport and transferred to your comfortable Iguazu hotel.

Enjoy the rest of the afternoon free to relax and enjoy Puerto Iguazu at your leisure. See our Puerto Iguazu Travel Guide for detailed travelers’ information on what to see and do during your Iguazu vacation.

Today you will tour the Argentine side of Iguazu Falls, including an ecological train ride to the Devil's Throat. In the Argentine Iguazu National Park, you will have intimate views of the Iguazu River. Trails through the 210 square mile reserve provide a different, complete view of the falls, especially the largest one, Devil's Throat. Lower and upper walkways permit up close and personal experiences with this magnificent spectacle of nature. In the afternoon you will return to your comfortable Iguazu hotel.

You have another Enjoy the rest of the afternoon free to relax and enjoy Puerto Iguazu at your leisure. See our Puerto Iguazu Travel Guide for detailed travelers’ information on what to see and do during your Iguazu vacation.

You’ll be transferred from the El Calafate airport to your comfortable El Calafate hotel. Enjoy the evening at your own leisure, strolling the streets lined with restaurants, bars, and handicraft markets. Along Libertador street, you’ll find restaurants serving the popular dish cordero patagónico, or Patagonia lamb, plus empanadas, asado sandwiches, and brochettes. Make sure to save room for a glass of wine, as Argentina has some of the finest vinters. Visit the Nimes Lagoon at sunset to watch the birds preparing for the night.  

Enjoy an early breakfast in your hotel before departing for the famous Perito Moreno Glacier. You will see the southern bank of the glistening blue Lago Argentino, populated by colorful flamingoes, black-necked swans, and coots. You’ll pass nearby berry farms and estancias en route to Los Glaciares National Park. At the Curva de los Suspiros, you’ll catch your first sight of the nearly 200 feet tall glacier wall.

At the foot of the glacier, you will be free to spend the rest of the tour walking along the trails and footpaths of the glacier, appreciating its beauty and immensity from several angles. You may catch sight of a plethora of wildlife, such as condors and eagles, armadillos, and gray foxes. For lunch you can dine in view of the glacier at the restaurant in the park.

For those who would like to take an additional tour of the Perito Moreno Glacier, a boat tour along the Lago Rico is an excellent way to appreciate the grandeur of the glacier from its most imposing edge.

In the late afternoon or evening, you will return to your comfortable El Calafate hotel. For dinner, there are many excellent options in El Calafate, but make sure to order the delicious dish cordero al asador, barbeque lamb.

After breakfast, you have the opportunity to take an additional El Calafate tour, or you can be transferred to the airport for your journey home or to the next destination on your Argentina vacation.

*Prices listed are seasonal; please consult a Argentina Travel Advisor for further details
Included:

• Hotels based on US standards.
• All tours stated in the itinerary.
• 2 hotel nights in Buenos Aires, 2 nights in Iguazu, 2 nights in El Calafate.
• All transfers and entrance fees.
• All breakfasts.
• English speaking tour guides.

PLEASE NOTE:

As of 1 January 2010, an entrance fee (Reciprocity Fee) is chargeable for citizens of the United States, Canada and Australia visiting Argentina. For further details, please read this article on the Latin America For Less Travel Blog.

A tourist visa is required upon entry to Brazil for citizens of the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Travelers not within this group are advised to check with the Brazilian consulate where they reside for visa requirements and inquiries. For more information on obtaining a Brazil tourist visa, please visit our Latin America For Less Travel Blog

Argentines are passionate about futbol, and porteños are no different. When afootballgame is under way in the La Bombonera stadium, the whole city – almost the whole country – stops to watch the game. The stadium, named “The Chocolate Box” because of its box-like shape, is home to the Boca Juniors, one of Argentina’s most famous football teams. Tours of the famous La Bombonera stadium depend on the league schedule. If a game is scheduled, you can book round trip transfers from your hotel, reserved stadium seating, and a bilingual guide. 

Just north of the thriving bustle of the Argentine capital lies the tranquil town of Tigre nestled on the banks of the Tigre River Delta. The summer home for Buenos Aires’s porteño elite in the 19th century, Tigre retains its posh flair. Stately mansions decorate the delta, many of them only accessible by boat. You will take a tour from the heart of Buenos Aires to its northern outskirts and then follow the Tigre River to where the river flows into a delta and the town of Tigre reveals a world permeated by graceful waters and canals. On this tour, you will visit the Rio Plata stadium, the Presidential Residence Olivos, the San Isidro Cathedral. You will also take a boat cruise, during which you can glimpse the mansions and homes along the delta. 

The tour leaves everyday at 9:00 hrs. Length varies between 4 – 6 hours depending on time for lunch.

Where the sprawling Argentine capital meets its outer fringes, the pampas, or grasslands, dominate nearly a quarter of the country’s landscape. On these pampas, the legendary Argentine gauchos first roamed, herding the beef cattle for which the country has become so famous. Dotting this vast landscape that stretches from the eastern grasslands outside Buenos Aires all the way to the eastern edges of southern Patagonia, are estancias, or ranches where the gauchos work the land. Many of these estancias are still working ranches and farms, and many of them have also expanded to offer lodging, day trips, and home-cooked, authentic Argentine meals to guests.

Buenos Aires is home to the largest Jewish population in Latin America, with approximately a quarter million Jewish citizens in its metropolitan area. During the early and mid 20th century, many Russian and European Jewish immigrants made their home in Buenos Aires, since Argentina’s immigration policy was one of the most accepting at the time. The Buenos Aires Jewish community retains many of the cultural traditions of their people. Synagogues are the heart of Jewish culture, where worship services and other community activities are held. During your tour, a knowledgeable guide will take you to an Ashkenazi or Sephardic synagogue, where you can appreciate the remarkable architecture and design of this beautiful place of worship. You will also see the Jewish neighborhood Once (pronounced “OWN-say”), one of the hubs of Jewish culture. This used to be the place where folk would grab a Yiddish paper and snack in one of the delis or cafes. Now, the area is more known for as the garment district, where wholesalers and tailors bargain over passerby. The IFT Theatre, founded in 1932 as a Yiddish theatre but now a secular one, is also in this neighborhood. Next you will visit the newly-restored AMIA building, the center of Jewish headquarters. The building was bombed in 1994, and ever since, security here and at other major Jewish sites has been vigilant. You will also visit the Israeli Embassy Square, where the embassy used to stand prior to the 1992 bombing. In the late afternoon, you will return to your Buenos Aires hotel.

Note: For security reasons, it is necessary that we get passport numbers of each visitor in advance in order to book this tour. Also, we suggest donating to the synagogues for opening their doors (5 USD per person per synagogue).

Tour lasts 3 hours and leaves every morning from Monday to Friday

Biking tours of Buenos Aires are fast becoming popular, as the city is relatively flat and easy to navigate. There are several biking trails or circuits that lead bikers through the city’s parks and plazas, or head along the outskirts to nearby towns, estancias, the pampas, and the Tigre River delta. All guided cycling tours include bike rental, helmet, traveler’s insurance, and refreshments including traditional Argentine mate, an energy-boosting tea. Only in the event of pouring rain will biking trips be cancelled or delayed. All biking tours are easy-going and relaxing. All you need is to wear sports clothing and to bring a thirst for exploring the unknown.

Find out about more of our recommended additional Buenos Aires tours.

On this five hour tour you will visit the Ernest Che Guevara National Park. Now a world-famous Marxist icon, Che Guevara was born in Argentina and had ambitions to be a doctor before he turned to politics. This park commemorates this wildly popular Latin American hero. The park, 135 km from Puerto Iguazu, is located includes a variety of trails. A local guide will show you around the trails and vistas and explain to you about Che, his family, and the significance of Che to the Argentine people. 

Hop country lines to see the Iguazu Falls from the Brazilian side. The Brazilian side boasts terrific panoramic views of the falls. Besides admiring the vistas, you can explore the Parque Nacional Foz do Iguaçu, an extensive national park that includes wildlife trails, you can visit the Parque das Aves, an excellent aviary, as well as the Itapúa Hydroelectric dam. If entering for just one day, there is no need to obtain a Brazilian visa, but do bring your passport. The border crossing is done along the Ponte Tancredo Neves and takes about two hours. 

*Times: Two daily tours, during the morning at 8.00 am and the afternoon at 2.00 p.m.
*Note: The Brazilian Falls tour can be combined with the Itapúa Hydroelectric Bi-national Dam tour for a full day excursion.

This tour begins in the back of a decommissioned military vehicle which takes you down the rugged Iguazu jungle path to the docks at the river. The ‘open’ back truck allows a great vantage point to see the many parakeets, parrots, macaws, toucans, and many other birds. You can also spot lizards, monkeys and myriad of butterflies, as well as 85 species of orchids, bromeliads, and guembes that call this jungle area home. After exploring these lush forests you will arrive at the docks where you will board river boats that will take you breathtakingly close to the Iguazu Falls before arriving at another dock further upstream. From here, there is an optional free trip to the nearby island of San Martin.

The highlight of any Iguazu Falls experience is feeling the mist of the mighty waterfall itself. During this short waterfall cruise, you will get close enough to see the Devil’s Throat – and get plenty wet. Be careful on the stairs from the park to the boat, as they can be slippery.

On this Iguazu River rafting adventure, experience the thrill of rafting one of the mightiest rivers in South America. Starting at San Martin Island, just downstream from the Iguazu Falls, you’ll cross through class 2 and 3 rapids, while also enjoying calm waters where you can appreciate the beauty of the Iguazu Falls area. For both new and experienced rowers, this river rafting tour is the perfect way to experience the Iguazu Falls.

*Tour days vary, so enquire with your travel advisor.

Find out about more of our recommended additional Iguazu Falls tours.

In the town on Puerto Iguazu you can visit the eco- tourist attraction of Aripuca, with more than 30 species and 500 tons of rescued trees in honor of giants of the Jungle. Here you can understand the fragility of nature and explore the native species of this unique frontier area that mixes three cultures so well.

You are able to visit the orchid garden in the town of Puerto Iguazu. There are over 20,000 natural species of orchids and a number of double hybrids that were artificially made. It is an important part of the Iguazu landscape and a interesting place to visit if you have an interest in flowers.

The botanical garden in Puerto Iguazu is the ideal place to visit if you have an interest in botany, but also to explore some of the local fauna and vegetation that exists in this unique part of the world.

From this landmark you are literally at the frontier of three huge nations; Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. Each one different in their own way. The actual divide is the confluence between the two rivers of Parana and Iguazu, but photos can still be taken in all three nations at the same time.

Walking up the falls by night is a special experience as the sound of the water flowing over the edge echoes through the night's calmness. This tour only runs during periods of full moon, so you can see the natural wonder naturally lit by moon light. You will be met at the national parks central station and taken by train to the devils through lookout point, and from the balcony, be able to view the devils throat. You will be treated to a welcome drink (caipirinas and fruit juice).

*Walks only run 5 days a month (2 days before, during and after full moon) with only 3 excursions per night at 8.00p.m, 8.45p.m and 9.30p.m.

On this tour will tour by boat the Iguazu and the Parana rivers, being able to see the city and the jungle from the water. You will also be able to see the native Guarani community and see one of their indigenous ceremonies. On the catamaran you will be treated to an open bar and be able to hear live music. Departures leave everyday at 5.30pm and the tour lasts about 2 hours.

From your hotel you will be picked up and taken to the music show that shows you the culture, traditions , music and dances of Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina. You will be able to eat at a Rafain barbecue restaurant for a buffet dinner.

*The show is on every night (except Mondays) from 8pm until 11.30pm.

The Iguazu National Park is a huge natural reserve that surrounds the spectacular Iguazu Falls. The park is full of other attractions that can give visitors a different experience in their trip to the special natural frontier region.

This tour begins in the back of a decommissioned military vehicle which takes you down the rugged Iguazu jungle path to the docks at the river. The ‘open’ back truck allows a great vantage point to see the many parakeets, parrots, macaws, toucans, and many other birds. You can also spot lizards, monkeys and myriad of butterflies, as well as 85 species of orchids, bromeliads, and guembes that call this jungle area home. After exploring these lush forests you will arrive at the docks where you will board river boats that will take you breathtakingly close to the Iguazu Falls before arriving at another dock further upstream. From here, there is an optional free trip to the nearby island of San Martin.

*This tour is not recommended for pregnant women or those who suffer from a heart condition.

You will go by boat on a short 15 minute cruise around the Iguazu Falls area, seeing the devils throat and other important falls. You will also be baptized by the mist of the falls before being returned to the shore. You need to be prepared to walk down a number of stairs to reach the embarkation point.

*This tour is not recommended for pregnant women or those who suffer from a heart condition.

This rafting tour enables you to feel the thrill of rafting in one of the most well known river areas in South America. For new and experienced rowers, you are able to safely try rowing along the river with moments of intense exhilaration followed by relaxing time to enjoy the scenery. You will start at San Martin Island and travel though rapids at a second and third level of difficulty and before reaching the disembarkation point. The trip lasts about forty minutes.

*Tour days vary, so enquire with your travel advisor.

Read more about our recommended additional Iguazu Falls tours.

Prices Valid April 10- August

Prices Valid September- March

This approximately one hour boat cruise in Lago Rico is an excellent way to appreciate the grandeur of the glacier from its most imposing edge. You will board at the Bajo de las Sombras Bay dock, where cruise ships depart twice daily. Once on board, you will glide along the Lago Rico to the Icebergs Channel until you reach the glacier’s southern wall. The wall looms above the cruise ship, immense and breathtaking, and calving ice sheets are a common sight. 

This full day boat cruise and mini-trekking experience begins at the dock at Bajo de las Sombras, where you will board the cruise ship for a short boat ride to the southern edge of Lago Rico. You will disembark on the glacier-side of the lake, where knowledgeable guides will welcome you and lead you to a shelter. There they will orient you on the park rules and trekking safety. Groups of 10 or fewer trekkers will set out for the glacier, and at the edge, trekkers will put on their crampons. Trekkers will then enjoy a 2 hour walk along the glacier. You will pass lagoons, crevasses, and a vast array of ice formations that glow in varying shades of blue. Guides will point out the flora and fauna along the way, and will explain the fascinating science of glaciology, tracing the recorded history of the Perito Moreno Glacier many expansions and ruptures. You will return to the shelter, where you can have lunch (you can take your own box lunch or request it as an additional service), before returning in the boat cruise to Bajo de las Sombras, and from there to your El Calafate hotel.

*Please note that this trek is recommended for people 10-60 years old. Several hours of walking through diverse terrains requires both good physical shape and a sense of adventure. Wear sports clothing (sweaters, rain jacket, sunglasses, trekking shoes or tennis shoes, and gloves) and bring UV sunblock, a small backpack, and water bottle.

This full day boat cruise begins early. After rising early and having a hearty breakfast in your hotel, you will travel to Punta Bandera, where you will board the cruise ship. You’ll cruise along Lago Argentino past drifting icebergs to the Upsala Glacier, one of the region’s largest ice masses (approximately three times the size of Buenos Aires). It’s walls range from 197 to 262 ft (60-80m) and it is 37 miles (60km) long, and 3-4 miles (5-7km) wide. You will continue on to Onelli Bay, where you will disembark at the port and take a short trek to reach Onelli Lagoon. At this remarkable lagoon the glaciers Onelli, Bolados and Agassiz converge. The Patagonia forest is filled with lenga and guindo trees, as well as lichen called “old man's beard.” Here visitors can enjoy lunch in the restaurant, or can bring a box lunch. Afterwards, you will set sail again, this time passing the Spegazzini and Seco glaciers, before returning to the El Calafate port in the late afternoon.

*Please note that due to sudden shifts in the weather, the precise nature of this cruise can change. At times alternative glaciers and/or routes may be required. If this cruise is unavailable, a similar excursion is the full day Perito Moreno Glacier Boat Cruise and Mini-Trekking adventure.

Once the watering hole for ranchers of the now-deserted estancias scattered around the El Calafate region, El Calafate is now a bustling town that serves travelers eager to visit the nearby glaciers. But the deserted estancias are destinations in themselves, as they tell of the endurance of bygone ranchers who braved the elements and solitude to preserve their way of life.

Estancia Cristina, the most remote estancia in the region and perhaps in all of Patagonia, is only accessible by boat or by a several day trek. On this full day boat cruise and trekking experience, you will begin with a boat cruise from Puerto Banderas along Lago Argentino, heading north towards the Upsala Glacier, where the estancia lies completely isolated and remote in a pristine forest valley. This 85,000 acre ranch was once the land of an Englishman who raised cattle, sheep, and horses. It is now a lodge where you can enjoy a full Patagonian lunch (included in the tour) and guided walks and hikes to the Upsala Glacier lookout point. In the evening you will return via cruise boat to Puerto Banderas.

This full day excursion in a 4x4 vehicle allows travelers to traverse some of the most rugged terrain and to view some of the most impressive Patagonia scenery. From El Calafate, you will board a vehicle and head for El Chalten and Torres del Paine, two famous peaks, and you may have time to set out on short treks throughout the region. Another route option is along the “Vuelta Histórica” to the Perito Moreno Glacier and Lago Roca, stopping at various estancias to learn about their interesting histories and enjoy a box lunch.

This half day horseback experience takes you from El Calafate around the pristine and tranquil nature reserve of Bahia Redonda of Lago Argentino. This bay is filled with a variety of Patagonian birds like flamingoes, black necked swans, and herons. From your Patagonian steed, you’ll be able to appreciate the breathtaking Lago Argentino and its surrounding glacier mountains, just as Patagonia gauchos once did. Afterwards, you’ll enjoy a glass of mate, a traditional tea believed to have healing properties, as well as a delicious snack of pan-fried bread.

This half-day village and caves guided tour tells the story of El Cafate’s beginnings, its pre-historic inhabitants, and the region’s diverse flora and fauna. Knowledgeable guides indulge visitors with the many fanciful legends and fascinating stories of the region, such as the saying that those who eat the fruit of the Calafate bush will always return to Patagonia. On board a comfortable bus, you’ll visit different sections of the village and its surroundings, such as Redonda Bay and the Nimes Lagoon. First you will visit the Historical Interpretation Center, close to the shores of Lake Argentino. From there you will drive through the town, enjoying different vistas en route to the painted Gualicho Caves, just six miles from El Calafate. Cave drawings dating back to 4000 BC are still vivid in this archeological sight.

Just 12 miles from El Calafate, the El Galpon estancia is a working ranch where traditional sheep shearing methods are practiced. During this half day excursion, you will take a drive to the ranch, and will be greeted with a host of delicious jams, cookies, scones, breads, and tea or coffee fresh and hot from the ranch kitchen. Then you´ll begin a leisurely walking tour of the ranch, heading toward Laguna de los Pajaros. There you’ll enjoy terrific bird watching of over 40 migrating species. Next you’ll head to a former Native America camping ground for migratory hunter-gatherers. Then you’ll head back to the ranch, where you’ll watch Kelpis shepherding dogs hard at work. Then, heading into the shearing shed, you can witness a sheep shearing demonstration, learning how wool is shorn and baled. The tour ends with a delicious Patagonian lamb barbecue, fresh salads, and homemade desserts at the cozy restaurant overlooking Lago Argentino and the Cordillera de Los Andes.

On this full day “Big Ice” trekking adventure, you will hike into the heart of the immense, awe-inspiring Perito Moreno glacier. Starting out early, you will take a short boat cruise along Lago Rico to the glacier side of the lake, where guides will welcome you to Perito Moreno. After a safety and equipment briefing, you will walk to the foot of the glacier, get outfitted in your crampons, and head into the icy blue wilderness. An hour’s trek will take you to a breathtaking view of the immense ice plateau. You will see crevasses, ice caves, moulins, and all sorts of fascinating ice formations. Enjoy a lunch and rest, before heading back to terra firma. You will have hiked a total of about 3 hours, with expert guides leading you every step of the way. You will reach the boat by mid-afternoon, and head back to El Calafate.

*Please note that this trek is recommended for people 18-45 years old. Several hours of walking through diverse terrains requires both good physical shape and a sense of adventure. Wear sports clothing (sweaters, rain jacket, sunglasses, trekking shoes or tennis shoes, and gloves) and bring UV sunblock, a 40-liter backpack, and water bottle. *Please also note that the park entrance fee, lunch, and clothing are not included.

This full day excursion to the gorgeous Patagonia steppe and La Leona Petrified Forest begins with a drive from El Calafate around the beautiful Lago Argentino. Your bus will then wind along the highway past the mighty Santa Cruz river until it reaches the La Leona river valley. Here you will enjoy fantastic panoramas of the La Leona and the stunning Mount Fitz Roy in the background. You’ll rest at the historical La Leona hotel before continuing along the shores of Lake Viedma until you reach Los Hornos hill. On the hill, the walking tour begins. You will note the dry topsoil, a claylike loam rich in fossils and petrified wood. The high winds have eroded this exposed hill, and often new fossils are uncovered. There are also petrified tree trunks that tell of a forest of ages past. After about 3 hours of walking and a lunch break, you will return to El Calafate along the same route.

Also available are several half day excursion options to the nearby Cerro Frías Mountain. You can choose a guided horseback riding adventure, a trekking tour, or a 4x4 excursion, all recommended for all ages. Cerro Frías has well-marked paths as well as panoramic views of Torres del Paine, Monte Fitz Roy, and Lago Argentino, making it a popular choice for day trippers.

Enjoy terrific views of the Patagonia steppe above and around the village of El Calafate from the Balcony, a mesa perched above the village on the El Calafate steppe. From this unique vantage point, the scenery is absolutely staggering. The vast Lago Argentino with the soaring peaks of Perito Moreno, Chalten, and Torres del Paine, plus the Santa Cruz river cutting through the landscape all seem to perform a visually elaborate theater. Here you may also catch sight of soaring condors, as well as galloping cimarrones, or wild horses. After appreciating the view from the Balcony, you will continue on to the Laberinto de Piedras, a maze of rock formations and fossils that date back to the Cretacean period 85 million years ago. Then you’ll head down to the Piedras de los Sombreros before returning to El Calafate to enjoy a drink together. If you prefer, you can extend the tour an hour so that you can appreciate more of the outstanding natural beauty of Patagonia.